We used to celebrate Christmas for forty days, a period symbolizing conversion. Mother Seton’s own life-changing Christmas experience prompts us to ask ourselves—did we open our hearts to the Christ child this year? Or did we lock the door of the inn?
On November 27th we participated in the annual Sunday celebration of the Eucharist for the members of Society of St. Vincent de Paul… a celebration that was broadcast on RTÉ.
In this Vincentian Mindwalk, I am asking whether Christmas is the celebration of a moment in the past or something that takes place in your life every day?
At the same time that we achieve “unity in diversity,” another unfoldment automatically takes place: the search for holiness.
Two stories from Colorado Vincentian Volunteers: “Be Still” by Mary Adamand a digital story by Maggie Loughran.
“Blessed Pier Giorgio had no formula for charity other than putting the needs of his neighbor first.” – from frassatiusa.org
Watch this fantastic video by Frassati USA and get to know this Vincentian Family Blessed who teaches us that holiness is possible for everyone!
Contemplation can be cultivated in many ways that don’t require a monastic, solitary, silent approach. St. Vincent shows us to pray in a different and more concrete way.
The sign of the cross enables us to confess our belief in our Triune God in a regular though sometimes forgetful manner.
We can learn from Pope Francis how little things can be so significant in a “culture of encounter.”
Jesus steadfastly makes up his mind to carry out fully his mission. To follow him steadfastly to the end is what it means to be a Christian.
I invite you to respond: has your Conference progressed or regressed?
